Consulting Geotechnical Engineers and Engineering Geologists
Consulting Geotechnical Engineers and Engineering Geologists
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PRINCIPAL 
EDUCATION
1971 B.S. Earth Sciences/Geology University of Washington
Additional Course Work: Underground Storage Tanks (UST)
Asphalt & Concrete Design
Soil Mechanics and Laboratory Testing
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS
Geologist- State of Washington
Engineering Geologist- State of Washington
Hydrogeologist - State of Washington
Professional Geologist - State of Idaho
Registered Geologist - State of Oregon
Certified Engineering Geologist - State of Oregon
Professional Geologist - State of Wisconsin
Registered Geologist – State of Missouri
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG)
Northwest Geological Society (NWGS)
American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Nelson has been active in the practice of engineering geology since 1971. Following his graduation from the University of Washington, he was involved in a wide variety of geologically related projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Mr. Nelson has substantial experience in the fields of engineering geology and economic geology, and has headed two engineering geology departments for firms in the Seattle/Bellevue area. He operated his own firm, David L. Nelson and Associates, Inc. from 1979 to 1993, and was vice-president of Nelson-Couvrette and Associates, Inc. before starting Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc in 2000.
Mr. Nelson has been involved in a broad range of projects, from preliminary site evaluations to detailed soils and rock explorations. His project experience in the field of engineering geology include: subsurface explorations, laboratory analysis, evaluation of soil and rock materials for single and multi-story structures, residential dwellings, highways and airfields, control and microwave towers, lake and detention impoundments, commercial and industrial facilities, and various other structures. He has worked closely with geotechnical engineers on these projects, providing subsurface information and interpretation of geology, hydro-geology, and the origin of landforms.
Other types of projects Mr. Nelson has been involved with include bluff studies to determine appropriate building setback and risk evaluation, slope stability analysis, and landslide repair. As part of these projects, he has used surface and subsurface data and interpretation of aerial photos. Mr. Nelson is active in the area of economic geology as well, with experience in aggregate source evaluation, oil and gas consulting, and quarry evaluation.
Mr. Nelson has provided consulting on ground water assessments for developments and geologic hazards. In addition, he has analyzed aquifers and domestic wells, installed ground water monitoring wells, and has collected samples for chemical analysis of regional ground water tables to provide baseline data.
PRINCIPAL 
1990 B.S. Civil Engineering University of Jordan
1992 M.S. Geotechnical Engineering Washington State University
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer/Civil Engineering- State of Washington
Professional Engineer/Civil Engineering- State of Alaska (Pending)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Shawish has been practicing geotechnical engineering in Washington state since joining Nelson-Couvrette & Associates, Inc., the predecessor of our company, in 1994. He has continued on as a Senior Engineer with Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc. since the inception of the company.
While a graduate student at Washington State University, Mr. Shawish conducted research aimed at updating the seismic design guidelines for Washington State bridges. His work was part of the Washington State Department of Transportation's efforts to establish accurate seismic response analysis for the state’s bridges.
As a project engineer and senior engineer with NCA and NGA, Khaled has independently managed numerous municipal, commercial, and residential projects. This included setting up and managing project budgets, determining project scope and objectives, and reviewing project plans. He was also in charge of overseeing field exploration and site reconnaissance programs, solving complex geotechnical engineering design and construction issues, preparing geotechnical engineering reports and design details, and maintaining contact with clients, project design team, and governing agencies during the design and construction phases of the project.
Khaled has also supervised and trained up to ten staff and senior staff engineers and geologists, and participated heavily in marketing and business development. Some of the technical aspects of his experience includes foundation and retaining wall design, seismic site evaluation and liquefaction analysis, landslide evaluation and repair, slope stability analysis, reinforced earth walls, solider pile walls, deep foundations, anchors and tiebacks. In addition, Khaled has had extensive exposure to current local and national engineering codes and standards.
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SENIOR GEOLOGIST
EDUCATION
1971 B.S. Geological Sciences University of Washington
1973-74 Post Graduate Studies Geology & Civil Engineering University of Washington
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
Certified Professional Geologist - State of Virginia
Professional Geologist - State of Wisconsin
Registered Geologist - State of Missouri
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG)
Northwest Geological Society (NWGS)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Free began his career in engineering geology in 1972. He has a broad range of experience in hydrogeology, engineering geology, and engineering geophysics in Washington, the Central and Western United States, Alaska, and British Columbia.
Mr. Free has extensive experience in site specific hydrogeologic, geophysical, and geologic investigations for civil engineering projects. This includes dams, steep slopes and setbacks, sewage treatment facilities, commercial and residential developments, storm water treatment facilities, marine pipelines, irrigation intake structures, multi-story buildings, tunnel and shaft rehabilitation involving grouting and rock and soil bolting, roadways, pipelines, permafrost, and bridges.
Ron's over-water experience has included sub-bottom acoustic profiling, side-scan sonar studies, bathymetric studies, and soil sampling. This has included work on marine and freshwater structures and marine pipeline routes. He has experience with driven and auger-cast piles on residential and commercial sites, and also major bridge structures.
Other types of hydrogeologic projects Ron has been involved in include municipal and residential water wells, construction dewatering, regional hydrogeologic studies, ground water monitoring, petroleum spill response and remediation, RCRA and CERCLA site characterization and RI/FS, UST site assessments, and Comprehensive Waste Management Plans. Ron has further experience in applying geophysical methods to hydrogeologic environmental problems.
SPECIAL TRAINING AND LICENSES
UST - Site Monitoring, Characterization, and Remediation (16 hr. Course)
Geologic Hazards and the Growth Management Act (8 hr. Course)
Fundamentals of Safety and Health for Hazardous Waste Site Activities (24 hr Course)
WDNR Surface Mine Reclamation Workshop – 1997
8 hr. Supervisors Course
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Last modified: 11/08/05
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